Our work is anchored on three pillars that focus on people, policies and skills to achieve our strategic objectives.

Policy, Research and Analysis

• Solar milking machine, Malawi

We recognize that policies and decisions that support innovation and wealth creation must rest on a solid foundation backed by concrete evidence. Our research programmes explore the challenges and opportunities presented by scientific, technological, and institutional, governance changes; provide end user and decision makers with well researched, evidence- based policy options.

We also aim to strengthen the scientific and non- scientific competencies of young researchers/professionals thereby improving the quality and significance of scientific research results in advancing knowledge; providing appropriate knowledge to support policy and decision- making and achieving development impacts.

Capacity Strengthening

• Methodology workshop in Malawi on IP Policies and Strategies.

We recognize that innovation and wealth creation are anchored on the ability of actors to adapt to a continuously changing environment. In order to compete, actors need to constantly learn new skills and update their knowledge bases. Our training programmes focus on strengthening capabilities for innovations, entrepreneurship and decision-making.

We appreciate that the emergence of new technologies, new methods, new processes, new policies and a changing business climate produces new challenges and opportunities that makes capability building an ever present need. We collaborate with national and international partners (Particularly R&D actors; universities and other training institutions) to conduct relevant, tailor-made training aimed at strengthening both individuals and institutional capabilities.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

• Master class on foresight in research and innovation in Cape Town.

We recognize that interaction allows actors to learn about new things, new ways of doing things and different ways of organizing to achieve better results. As such, promoting continuous interactions amongst young professionals; end- user and decision –makers permit exchange of ideas from diverse viewpoints. From these interactions emerge better ideas, formation of new partnerships and sharing of experiences. Our advocacy and public engagement programme focuses on promoting dialogue and networking amongst different end-user and decision-makers.

We facilitate and promote dialogue and networking in three broad categories including: (i) Linking multiple scientific /professional domains e.g. connecting social and natural science; intra- and trans-disciplinary collaborative team (ii) Linking institutions /networks /consortia from different background and orientations e.g. non-profits, private sector, civil society, public policy etc (iii) Linking young professional and decision-makers from across geographical boundaries e.g. from different African countries; north-south and south-south collaborations.